Benjamin Benjamin 132 found...ammo?

[trapdoor2]

Well, I opened up an old U-haul box and found the 132 I bought new back in the 80s...

Although a tad scroungy with corrosion, dirty, etc., it seems to be pumping up and holding air!

I need some pellets...and I'm thinking light might be right. 14g? 18g? Anybody out there with some experience to share?

As I recall, I used it for close range (10ft) ratting and targets in the garage and backyard. No memory of what pellets I used.

 

[JimBentley]

With that power plant the lighter pellets will give a decent velocity. I use Crosman premier HP's in most of my pistols.

 

[trapdoor2]

I ran about 50 of the HPs thru the 132 this evening. They did well, esp for a 40yr old untouched pistol. The trigger is atrocious! Back when I bought it, I wouldn't have noticed.

It holds air very well, pumps hard, groups ~2" at 20ft. 6 pumps is all it can handle. With 8 pumps, residual pressure is left in the gun after the shot. Might need a new hammer spring...and the pump length adjusted a smidge shorter. It feels too hard to get it 'over center'.

 

[trapdoor2]

Took it all apart this afternoon. We'll, everything except the valve. I don't have the special tool for that...and I think it unnecessary, it holds air and functions.

Watched a series of videos on YouTube that showed how to take all the guts out. Special trick getting the pump handle off the plunger so it can be removed and cleaned, etc. Made it easy-peasy.

Removed the trigger group, stoned the sear, lever and trigger contact points. Probably should have shortened the sear engagement 0.010" or so but for now, just getting the stamped edges clean made a big improvement. This thing isn't exactly Olympic level.

Oiled everything judiciously. Neats Foot oil (leather seals).

I did shorten the piston stroke 0.030". It was only coming back far enough to half-uncover the air hole. Pumping stroke is now slightly easier.

All back together, no issues, 6 pumps is still max. I think I'll try a washer or two under the hammer spring. Might get me a little more power. I'd like "as advertised" 550fps...